India’s spice export sector continues to make a strong mark globally, achieving a record high of $4.72 billion in FY25, a 6% increase over the previous year’s $4.46 billion. This milestone reflects both the resilience and the evolving dynamics of India’s agro-export economy, even as certain key segments faced value contractions.
🔑 Key Highlights: FY25 Spice Export Trends
- Chilli exports, India’s largest spice category, declined in value by 11% despite a 19% surge in volume.
- Turmeric and cardamom exports saw the highest growth rates in value—51% and 53% respectively.
- Mint products and spice oils/oleoresins showed marginal to moderate gains, indicating demand for value-added products.
- Export volumes have grown in many categories, suggesting robust global demand.
📊 Spice Export Comparison: FY24 vs FY25
| Spice Category | FY24 Exports ($ Mn) | FY25 Exports ($ Mn) | Change in Value | Volume Trend (FY25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Exports | 4,460 | 4,720 | +6% | – |
| Chilli | 1,500 | 1,340 | -11% | ▲ 19% (7.15 lakh tonnes) |
| Cumin | 700.37 | 732.35 | +5% | ▲ 39% (2.29 lakh tonnes) |
| Spice Oils/Oleoresins | 497.98 | 535.92 | +8% | ▲ 12% (4.53 lakh tonnes) |
| Turmeric | 226 | 341 | +51% | ▲ 9% (1.76 lakh tonnes) |
| Mint Products | 415.40 | 417.80 | +0.6% | ▼ Slight decline |
| Curry Powder/Pastes | 212 | 247.59 | +17% | ▲ 7% (77,151 tonnes) |
| Pepper | 88.91 | 124.54 | +40% | ▲ 16% (20,830 tonnes) |
| Small Cardamom | 120.52 | 184.65 | +53% | ▲ 9% |
📈 Trends and Analysis
1. Mixed Bag for Major Categories
While chilli exports dominate India’s spice basket, the 11% decline in value highlights pricing pressures despite a healthy increase in volume. Cumin and spice oils saw moderate value increases, supported by consistent international demand.
2. Turmeric and Cardamom Boom
Driven by health-conscious global consumers and increasing use in pharmaceuticals and wellness industries, turmeric exports rose by 51%. Small cardamom, a high-value spice, also jumped by 53%, underlining India’s growing reputation in premium spice segments.
3. Processed Products Gaining Momentum
The rise in exports of spice oils/oleoresins and curry pastes signals a growing demand for value-added and ready-to-use spice products, reflecting evolving consumption trends in developed markets.
🎯 Future Outlook: Ambitious Targets on the Horizon
India is eyeing exponential growth in spice exports with ambitious targets:
- $10 billion by 2030
- $25 billion by 2047
The current trajectory suggests that these goals are achievable, especially with continued government support, rising global demand, and diversification into processed spice products. Strategic investments in branding, quality standardization, and export promotion will be key enablers.
🌍 Conclusion
India’s performance in FY25 reaffirms its stature as a global spice powerhouse. Even amid category-specific challenges, the sector’s overall resilience, driven by product diversification and volume growth, paints a promising picture for the future of agri-exports.
Glottis Limited 
Leave a comment